🧬 Part 1: Understanding Genes and Traits

1. What is a trait?

A type of cell in your body

A characteristic or feature that can be inherited

A part of your brain

A type of food

2. What is a gene?

A unit of heredity found on DNA that influences traits

A type of protein in muscles

A small bone in your body

A kind of vitamin

3. Which of the following are examples of inherited traits? (Check all that apply)

Eye color

Hair color

Favorite food

Height

Language you speak

Blood type

4. DNA is best described as:

A long molecule that stores genetic instructions

A type of sugar in your blood

A muscle in your heart

A kind of exercise

✏️ Part 2: Connecting Genes to Traits

5. Fill in the blanks using the words: genes, DNA, traits, inherited

_____________ are characteristics that can be passed from parents to offspring. These characteristics are controlled by _____________, which are segments of _____________. When traits are passed down from parents, they are said to be _____________.

6. Explain in your own words how genes and traits are related:

7. Give three examples of traits you might have inherited from your parents:

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

8. Why do you think children look similar to their parents but not exactly the same?

🔬 Part 3: Thinking Like a Scientist

9. If a gene that controls flower color in a plant were to change (mutate), what might happen to the flower?

10. Look at the traits listed below. Circle the ones that are determined by genes:

Freckles Haircut style Ability to roll your tongue Favorite color Dimples Shoe size

11. Draw a simple diagram showing how traits might be passed from parent plants to offspring plants. Label your diagram with the words: parent, offspring, genes, traits.